Reading Group Choices, a Book Club Resource, Introduces Neely Kennedy as Literary Director for Winning Discussible Selections

(PRESS RELEASE) Reading Group Choices (RGC), print and online resource of discussible selections for book clubs announced this week that Neely Kennedy will become the company’s new Literary Director.
Charlie Mead, RGC’s President told thousands who subscribe to the company’s free monthly newsletter, “We are thrilled to have Neely as our Literary Director. She has a lifelong passion for reading, impeccable credentials in the book industry, as well as a keen understanding for what makes book clubs worthwhile.”

In addition to her expertise in selecting discussible titles, Kennedy will serve as RGC’s , and Book Club Expert providing a multitude of fresh ideas to spark thought-provoking discussions. Active in several book clubs with both friends and family, she says she is constantly chatting about what they are currently reading and exchanging ideas. “Book clubs are a great way to stay open to each other and deepen our relationships.”

RGC’s Book Club Experts regularly contribute to the Ladies’ Home Journal (LHJ) online blog, a complimentary component to the new monthly LHJ Book Club, sharing practical tips book clubs can use to enrich their discussions of the monthly title. Recent topics have included how to start a book club, planning a themed discussion, examining life choices and for December’s pick, The Bird Sisters, the strength of sibling bonds.

Kennedy is looking forward to sharing her joy for reading with the RGC book club network, “For me the joy of reading means opening your heart and mind to the experience of another person. The same is true of our experience within a book club-- we learn not only about other mindsets, cultures, and historical times, but most importantly about what it means to be human, and the thoughts and feelings that unite us all.”

The combination of Kennedy’s education in Psychology, Masters in Library Science, and her extensive experience in the book business, make her uniquely qualified for her role as Literary Director, and in her understanding of book club dynamics. Kennedy says of her passion, "I love anything having to do with books. Fiction has always been my favorite genre. I cherish my time as a reference librarian at Carnegie Public Library,as well as the years that I spent running my own independent bookstore, The Wise Willow Children’s Book Shop in Annapolis, Maryland.” Kennedy worked in marketing and promotion at the Naval Institute Press. "I was lucky enough to see how a book goes from inspiration to finished title," she adds.

The Reading Group Choices monthly offers convenience. Mead says, “By signing up for the eNewsletter, book club members get all our great resources delivered directly to their inbox each month, including exclusive offers like chances to win free books for everyone in their club. We even award and feature one lucky club with a picture and write-up in our Newsletter as part of our ‘Book Club of the Month’ program.”

RGCencourages book club members to exchange their best ideas on hosting, favorite discussible titles, and reviews with clubs around the nation by becoming an RGCfan on Facebook. annual printed guide,Reading Group Choices: Selections for Lively Book Discussions, now in its 18thedition, provides expert picks and discussion questions ($6.95), while their blog, On the Bookcase, features one-on-one interviews with authors. “Our main goal is to provide a one-stop resource for great discussible books and fresh ideas --the tools that make book clubs lively and fun,” Mead says.